live free or die

Still not completely recovered over on my little corner of the world, but I wanted to put some thoughts down on this blog while I'm feeling well enough to do it.  I've been keeping a list of future blog entry topics, as well as related photos and websites, but I thought I would bypass the hierarchy and write about something that has been on my mind quite a bit as of late: revolution.

Last semester in my digital class at Parsons, I worked on a collection inspired by early 19th century Greek costume around the time of the Greek Revolution of 1821.  During my final presentation at the end of the semester, my fashion history instructor asked me if I thought we were living in a time of revolution and turmoil, to which I replied, "Yes, most definitely."  Living in the United States can offer a physical and metaphorical distance from other cultures in the sense that being on this side of the world I oftentimes feel as though I'm living in an untouchable society.  A revolution such as the ones that have taken place in recent weeks in Tunisia and Egypt (a phenomenon being echoed by other countries such as Bahrain and Libya) taking place here seems unthinkable.  I'm not talking so much about the social, economic and political factors that led to such events, but a mere conception of popular uprising to such a degree in this country if given a reason...  I can't imagine it.

But, with my family still living in Greece, I imagine it over there and so the idea of revolution is at the forefront of my mind - which is why the Jason Wu Fall/Winter 2011 collection struck a chord with me.

Jason Wu Fall/Winter 2011 from Style.com

Wu's inspiration was the 25-year restoration of the palace of Versailles, resulting in a collection of baroque sportswear.  While I don't find the idea of lace on a sweatshirt as innovative as one of the ladies in the video suggested (I could've sworn I've seen lace-printed sweatshirts at H&M or Zara in recent seasons), in the video interview on Style.com Wu talks about the coming of a revolution and the toppled empress leaving the house with a military jacket thrown over black lace.  What could be more poignant than that image?

Jason Wu Fall/Winter 2011 on Style.com

I also thought I'd throw in the last photo for the sake of the headpiece.  Note the contrast between Wu's revolutionary baroque and this "Freedom Bonnet" by Mrs. Sally Victor from 1944:

"Freedom Bonnet" from The Costume Institute Collection Database

Victor's bonnet was designed in the year that Paris was liberated in World War II, and is adorned with French knots as a tribute to the French.  The tricorne shape is a reference to the American revolution and according to the Costume Institute, "During WWII, American fashion magazines encouraged women to use hats as patriotic expressions and to keep up the morale at home."

 To that I say, hear, hear.